Joy is for the
Birds - Setting up Feeders
Creating a Bird-Friendly World in your Yard |
| I don't know about
you, but the "tweet, tweet" of birds is a welcomed sound in my garden. I do what I can
to invite them into the garden. |
- The easiest way to attract birds is to put out feeders.
In Thornton, I added a couple of bird feeders & bird baths in the yard. I don't even
mind that the occasional squirrel has a feast. Feeders in
my garden.
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- I placed the feeder near trees in Colorado so that the
birds have a place to perch and/or hid. I am sure that they appreciate have a little
shade too. Trees and large shrubs in the yard are certainly good places for the birds to
raise and protect their young. However, I don't have any trees in my Lubbock Garden.
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- It is important to add plants to the landscape which
will attract a variety of birds! Some birds are attracted to nectar producing plants
and others to plants that provide seeds and berries. There are some birds that
prefer insects - so kill off all the bad bugs in your yard. Let the birds
control the bugs for you. Check with your local Audubon Society for suggestions of
the birds in your area and the food they prefer.
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- Plant a bed of native wildflowers. These flowers
will attract birds to your yard. The native plants are a "dinner is served" sign to
the birds.
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- Different birds prefer different seeds and feeding
stations. So offering a variety will attract a variety of species.
- Platform feeders tend to attract the largest variety
of birds!
- Hanging feeders tend to attract perching birds.
- Suet feeders tend to attract insect eating birds.
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- The bird visitors to the garden are treated with fresh
seeds & pieces of fruit. The grocery always has a little over-ripe fruit in their
clearance section. These are just perfect for the birds. I put out bird food
all year long.
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- It is important to provide a source of water for the
feathered-visitors. Remember that providing clean water, for both drinking and
bathing, will attract birds that don’t visit the feeders in your yard.
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- I had a service berry tree in the front yard here in
Thornton. The berries are a favorite of the birds in the late fall. I'd like
to plant more berry bushes this year. I'd like to have another here in
Lubbock.
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- From time to time I put out a concoction especially for
the birds. Over stale bread I pour a mixture of melted peanut butter and lard.
I sprinkle the top with shelled Sunflower seeds, raisins & crushed nuts. After it is
sufficiently cooled, I put it out for the birds. They peck away at it.
It doesn't last long.
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- Now that we are in Lubbock, birding will be a new
adventure. Hope to see many different birds
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Joy is for the Birds:
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